The quote from George Eliot's "Middlemarch" suggests that even the most dignified individuals are susceptible to involuntary actions, like sneezing, which serves as a metaphor for how unrestrained emotions can manifest in unexpected ways. This insight indicates that human dignity does not exempt one from the natural and often uncontrollable aspects of life, highlighting a shared vulnerability among all people.

Eliot's observation emphasizes the complexity of human nature and experience, where even the grandest personas experience moments of spontaneity influenced by their feelings. This duality reflects the tension between our self-image and the rawness of genuine emotion, reminding readers that everyone, regardless of their stature, can be affected by the unpredictable ebbs and flows of life.